Gauley Fest returns with a Bridal Party Theme

Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project, Gauley Fest has grown into the largest paddling festival in the world. The 2025 edition will take place September 18th through 21st at Nicholas County Veterans Memorial Park in Summersville, West Virginia, and promises another unforgettable weekend of paddling, music, and celebration with friends on the water.

Organized by American Whitewater, Gauley Fest is the organization’s biggest public outreach event of the year. All proceeds go directly to support AW’s river conservation and access work across the United States. The festival is a showcase for American Whitewater and the top whitewater vendors in the boating community, featuring live entertainment, a bustling whitewater marketplace, raffles, and the infamous silent auction where paddlers can score some serious outdoor gear.

This year’s theme will be a Bridal Party! Attendees will even have the chance to renew their vows to American Whitewater with membership support and receive a commemorative token. Costumes are encouraged, and whether paddlers show up as brides, grooms, officiants, flower girls or boys, or bridesmaids and groomsmen, everyone will be in the running to win the festival’s costume party on Saturday night. Expect plenty of vintage 70s tuxedos and wedding dresses on the dance floor.

For more event details, head to the American Whitewater website, or find the schedule here.